TDI in desert rally Buggy ?

[Pharaoh XJ]

Ok so here I am posting this thread after reading & SEARCHING for a while, but I need some  help here

 I am designing this rear engine buggy (BAJA bug) but in order to register it here in Egypt it needs to have a VW engine, I plan on racing the car in cross country dakar style rallies here in Egypt.

My current options are a VR6, R5 TDI , 1.9 TDI

Basically I am looking for the most reliable option for long range racing with enough torque (250+ NM) to turn 33" Tires & a 1500 Kg car.

How can I get 150 HP & 250 NM out of a TDI reliably

PS: I am on a tight budget ( damn exchange rate)

[Pat Dolan]

What you are describing should weigh in closer to 700 Kg, not 1,500.

150HP and 250lb/ft is easy with a warmed over 1.9.   However, you didn't say what your budget is.  IF you start out with a complete engine/trans from a PD150, you already have your numbers (and must build mounting for transverse install - but not hard at all with a tube frame).  To do that you will need to use the cluster, computer, etc.  Just buy a donor wreck and strip the bits.

If you want to MAKE it, you will spend a bit of money on turbo, injectors, etc.  If you want all mechanical, start with 1z, AHU or ALH and build a mechanical pump.

If you can lay your hands on a Volvo transverse gearbox, I would prefer the 2.5.  IF you have room for a longitudinal installation (mid engine) I would suggest an Audi gearbox and the 2.5.  The right version of that engine is 170 HP dead stock.

About a thousand ways to skin this cat.

[Pharaoh XJ]

Unfortunately it is going to be around 1250 kgs & that is because of the regulations of the FIA

I am using a longitudinal transaxle similar to the AUDI 016/01E from renault called UN1 & I am not using the Audi unit because I need a rear engine configuration & the Audi transaxle cant be flipped.

I was thinking more about weight than room, is the PD a reliable option in the desert ? can mTDI achieve the same power ? am I better off with a stock 2.5 ?

[svenakela]

The UN1 is a really nice gearbox, good choice. I agree with Pat that if you are able to get an engine with the figures you want you're on a better track from start. TD's and TDI's can generate a lot more than 150, but it will cost and it takes time to make it happen.

[Pharaoh XJ]

Which you think is a better choice a 2.5 R5 like the VW Dakar touaregs  or the 2.5 V6

regarding weight, part availability , performance & PRICE ?

[Pat Dolan]

While you have plenty of room due to the ridiculous 1250Kg limit, the V6 is a genuine boat anchor, and it is the last thing I would want hung out back.  The 2.5 inline engines are very light (just a 4 banger with another cylinder tacked on).  There is a reason that VW Motorsport uses them in PDK cars.   You can use the funadmental technologies of the inline 4 fairly easily.  As to mechanical pump:  yes, it can be done.  We have a 2.5 MTDI pump the Giles Gallie built for us from the original TDI pump plus an earlier 2.4 mechanical unit.  Just another note on engine weight: I found the 2.5 V6 too heavy for the back of a T3 Synchro Westy, so you can guess how I would view it in a buggy.

[55eta]

if your looking to use the un1 Renault box you may be interested to know that there is a adapter plate available for 4cyl vw tdi using the vw t3/ vagoon bell housing and a input  shaft to suit the tdi clutch ,its available from a guy on the brickyard forum called vw nerd ,just look for a thread called New project 1Z install ,under t3 diesel upgrades{ sub forum}

[TDIMeister]

The AXG R5 TDI makes your target 150 HP with more torque and the best thing is, you don't have to touch it at all! It comes with that power from the factory!  That the Dakar Touareg uses the R5 should be a hint of its reliability.  A rear-engined R5 would stick way out of the Beetle's tail though... .  Get an ARL PD150 (150HP/320 Nm) and call the job finished. On the other hand, the 2.5 V6 TDI would probably package better in the Beetle and should be rather plentiful in salvage yards throughout Europe, but some of these engines were problematic...

[blackdogvan]

Cool project, I'll be watching this! You could check out a similar build here http://www.greasecarmotorsports

Is your bug rendering from a 3d model?

[Pharaoh XJ]

All my modelling is in solidworks but the bug body is a 3d model IGX that i grabbed off a video game and imported it into solidworks that i use only for packaging?

So guys which would be cheaper and reliable to get to 350 Nm point a bone stock R5 or a tuned 1.9 ?